Citizens’ Group Speaks Out Against Power Bill Increases

MPUC Denies Application for Increase

When a local activist group heard that Minnesota Power wanted to increase residential electric rates, they spoke out, and their voices were heard.

Citizens Federation is an economic freedom group that keeps the people in mind when choosing when and where to speak out.

This time it was a proposed 14.5% increase in residential electric rates that Minnesota Power initially claimed would help reduce rates for taconite mines and paper mills.

Board members with Citizens Federation say they felt that consumers needed to be more informed.

“The idea that the general public is kept out of the loop, the lack of notification, the lack of public hearings, that’s very very disturbing,” said Citizens Federation staff director Buddy Robinson.

The Minnesota Public Utility Commission denied Minnesota Power’s rate increase in a decision made final last week.

Minnesota Power is allowed to re-apply for a future increase.